Hey Guys, So anyways, I upgraded my TV 3 months ago to a 42" LCD 1080p Philips, and promptly bought a PS3 for gaming/bluray movie watching (got the 40gig PS3, Ratchet and Clank, Spiderman3 BD, BD Remote, and extra sixaxis bundle... all for $515... gotta LOVE COSTCO!!!). Anyways, I have been in love with this setup for quite some time. Recently, woot had a great deal on two surround Klipsch SS.5 and the matching SC.5 center channel speakers, while Costco had the Klipsch SWB-10 (10" downfiring subwoofer), for quite cheap as well, so I bought all of them. Problem is now I'm in need of a receiver to use the speakers. I also still need to get the fronts (will probably get the Klipsch B-2s... from what I can tell these seem to be the best match... but would love to know if there are fronts out there that better match the SS and SC 5s that I got...). In any case, I will be waiting until I can make these next two purchases comfortably, and so I'm biding my time doing some research into which receiver to get. I've been looking around at www.avsforums.com, and have learned a great deal, but their AVR forum is too difficult to follow, and too difficult for new people to get any responses. I was curious if anyone has any experience with receivers here on the board. I'm trying to keep my budget at $500 in a few months time, but have seen two new AVRs that have piqued my interest... these two will be available in may/june for an MSRP of $600, and look as though they have a great feature set. Sony STR-DG920 Pioneer VSX-1018TXH-K Does anyone have any information about other receivers that I should be looking at in my price range? Thanks Robert
Onkyo TX-SR605B or the 705. They should hit your price point. I sell lots of them and have had great luck with them. Cody
I had looked at those, but had ruled them out because the 605 only has 2 HMDI inputs (already have 2 devices, and can see myself needing a third in the future), and because the 705 has an MSRP of $900. If there is somewhere I could get the 705 for the 500-600 range, I would be VERY interested in the receiver (I just noticed that it is THX certified)... thanks for reply...
I personally prefer yamaha. I own a dspa1 and have had it for a long time. Zero problems. I would buy the highest level yamaha with hdmi that you can afford. I do not like onkyo, sorry to previous poster, they have used terrible component parts in the past and I have had a few crap out on customers. I used to build ht's. Besides yamaha is easily serviceable at many repair shops and you can buy it at a lot of retail locations. Also buy a five year warranty if you are concerned because electronics do crap out occasionally just because they're electronics. It happens. THX certification is a big scam. Its a lucasarts certification that is bordering on 15 years old. The manufacturer pays extra money to lucasarts to receive this grade. It only increases the price of your product for a little badge. Most use hdmi which is completely digital audio and video transfer. How are you going to lose quality there? I would listen to them all and pick the one you like best. The avsforums is a very good place to learn. http://www.yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=567571&CTID=5000300
I ran a Pioneer Elite for a long time. Good sound and lots of power. NAD is still good too. Neither one will be a Costco item though.... try here: www.audiogon.com
Ahh... I did not realize that about the THX stuff... thanks for that info. There has definitely been a lot of talk about the new yammys at avsforums. Luckily I'm giving myself some time before I make this purchase, so I can have a chance to really look around. Coverland, which specific Marantz offerings do you think would come into my range? I took a quick look, and based on MSRP I didn't see anything in particular that really stood out (to my novice eyes atleast). Are there some models that are actually available for my price range, even with the higher MSRP? Thanks all
Check out a Rotel, I have one and it's been great. Granted it lacks some of the "fluff" features that others have for the same price, but the sound quality is amazing. Depending on the size of your room you may want a bit more power, but Rotel also offers a 100w per channel model. http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=37 http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=18
I would have to agree rotel is a great product for a good price. Pioneer Elite is not under $1500 anywhere that I remember. I would think marantz would be well over $1000 for any product as well. Thanks for the info that yamaha has gone downhill.
hehe. The SS.5s and the SC.5 were my first purchases from woot. Definitely nice... now they just need to have something to complete my set... I know the Pioneer Elite series is more expensive, but the 1018 is actually not an elite, so the MSRP is $600. I took a quick look at the Rotels, and they do look nice, but the higher model is way out of my price-range, and I couldn't seem to find any price information on the lower model (granted I didn't have a whole lot of time to look...) Thanks for the new ideas.
I recommend you look at the Harman Kardon receivers. I have one, and love it. You can buy one of their factory refurbished models (like I did) right off of Ebay, save a lot of money, and get a great product.
Recently there is a deal for the 705 is only $579, you can check out http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=92374&ru=290
aaaaaaagh. Where's that economic stimulus check when you need it... here's to hoping that deal lasts until I can afford it (if ever at this point...)
